💀anatomy and physiology i review

Clonal expansion

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025

Definition

Clonal expansion is a process in the adaptive immune response where specific T lymphocytes that recognize an antigen proliferate to produce many copies of themselves. This amplification helps the immune system mount a strong defense against pathogens by increasing the number of cells that can respond to the infection.

AP course connection

Topic 21.3: 21.3 The Adaptive Immune Response: T lymphocytes and Their Functional Types

Unit 21

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